To feel a bit upset that our current dog isn't 'my dog!'

[Catsup]

I love the current dog very, very much. And we've always been a doggy family... However, current dog is not MY dog 😔. The doggo who sadly passed away last year, was always 'my' dog, we'd have the special looks, the words, and 'the bond'. I love our other dog very much! But they're a family dog, and happily share their love... But they're not 'my doggo' 🐶. I keep looking at rescue websites, but don't want to upset the remaining dog with a new one.

All dogs we’ve had become my dogs because I’m at home and do most of the feeding / walking. Dogs are very fickle creatures.

How long have you had your current dog?

Another dog might not be 'your dog' either. Dogs have preferences and emotions and each will be different. Why not try and do something special with your current dog so you get that feeling of a special thing that you want.

Btw my dog adores my DH and his day carer. I could feel annoyed that he isn't 'my dog' given I have done all the caring, feeding, training etc but I wouldn't swop him for the world.

Current dog we've had 8yrs 😳 I think the issue is that previous dog was the alpha female, and current dog was always the beta male? To be honest I think he's a bit lost himself for the hierarchy, but he's a toy breed, so I'm now very reluctant to introduce a new dog into the household incase a rescue (which is what we'd ideally do) would dominate him?

Do you think you're still grieving?

Dogs make their own choice as to whose dog they are - we just have to live with it I'm afraid. You can't keep getting a new dog in the hope that they will be 'yours'.

My son got a toy breed female puppy (from rescue - don't start) when he was 8 years old. He took total care of Maggie and she was "his dog" devotedly. Two years ago I got my own puppy, same breed and same sex so I would have "my dog". My son is now 18 and his dog Maggie is 8 and my dog Bella is 2 --- but Maggie has now "switched her loyalty". She comes to me every evening. Sits at my feet and sleeps on my bed. Bella follows my son constantly. She throws toys at his feet and sleeps on his bed.
Give it time. Your family dog may choose to be your dog if you do the care, walking, and treats.

My current dog is a toy yorkie, my departed girl was a staffy. So potentially not the best combo! But she viewed him as her pup and it was a very good mix. My issue now is if we introduce a rescue is what do you team with a toy dog? And if a toy dog even wants a companion? He has free rein of the house, but opts to sleep with a teddy we gave him when old girl was pts.

We got another dog as company for the other they never bothered with each other!
Once they expired from Old age we now have a new dog, who interestingly will always leave some ones lap when I come in and sit on mine, I think its due to me doing most of the feeding and walking.
She is a pure hunter we never thought would be a cuddly dog but she will spend all day next to you.
Personally I wouldn't introduce another, unless the new dog can be returned, I have seen it go wrong several times.

Some people talk about ‘heart dogs’ - dogs that are one of a kind, soul mates. We have relationships of different strengths with people, it’s to be expected that the same is true of dogs and humans.

He sleeps with the teddy. Oh bless him. He’s missing her like crazy. Have you never tried taking the toy and your little man’s bed up on your bed for a snuggle together. He is lost. Maybe you can help show him the way. Or maybe you need to get him a loving older female, who can nurture him again.